Monday, 15 June 2009

Since becoming the latest addition to the family Zeus has been to watch me playing rugby (see above image laying down in the grass - although most of the spectators were more preoccupied with Zeus than the goings on of the match). He was a bit feisty this day though as he was feeling particularly bitey. Fortunately, he's calmed down considerably since getting his proper set of little gnashers.

He's been with us from 8 weeks old and has now hit the lofty heights of 21 weeks. He may be the new kid on the block, but he's certainly let all the other kids know he's around. He's been roughing up a boxer puppy who really didn't know what to make of this hyperactive young pup. He's been playing with a couple of chocolate coloured labrador puppies too, but he doesn't shirk away from the more mature dogs either. I think most of them would prefer to meet him from 2 years old onwards, since he can be a bit much when he is feeling playful. He is a good natured dog however, and my experience of other collies tells me that he's going to be a great one. Always playful, always alert (apart from when just waking up from a snooze), always wanting to please, Zeus is a wonderful young and playful boy.

I took Zeus and Ben down to the river today. Ben jumped straight in without being told he could today. Normally, he'd wait for a command, but it seems he couldn't contain his excitement and launched himself, paws outstretched, into the deeper part of the river. Little Zeus got excited by the water too, but wouldn't dare venture further than the safety of the small cove despite Ben showing him the way (Zeus will only go in upto his neck thus far). Nevertheless, upon climbing back on to the river bank Zeus was playing around with another dog when he lost his footing and fell into the river in a deeper area. He couldn't climb back up and so had to swim back to the cove - he wasn't impressed!

Despite my best efforts to get him to swim he won't do it voluntarily so far. Time will tell if he plucks up enough courage to follow Ben's lead (no pun intended).